BDNF
BDNF (brain derived neurotrophic factor) is a secreted member of the neurotrophin family that signals through NTRK2 and through an NGFR–SORCS2 receptor complex. It supports neuronal survival in the adult brain and shapes synaptic plasticity. Browse Assay Genie's current range of BDNF research reagents below, or read on for the biology behind the target.
BDNF is an important signalling molecule that activates signalling cascades downstream of NTRK2. It also acts through the heterodimeric receptor formed by NGFR and SORCS2. Signalling via NGFR and SORCS2 plays a role in synaptic plasticity and long-term depression (LTD), and binding to this receptor pair promotes neuronal apoptosis and neuronal growth cone collapse. The same factor can therefore support or restrain neuronal structures depending on the receptor context in which it acts.
The BDNF gene encodes a member of the nerve growth factor family and belongs to the NGF-beta family of proteins. Alternative splicing produces multiple transcript variants, at least one of which encodes a preproprotein that is proteolytically processed to generate the mature protein. UniProt lists the entry as the neurotrophic factor BDNF precursor form, and the protein is secreted. HGNC places the gene in the neurotrophins group. Mouse and rat each have a Bdnf ortholog, which allows the biology to be studied in common rodent models.
Binding of BDNF to its cognate receptor promotes neuronal survival in the adult brain. Expression of the gene is reduced in patients with Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and Huntington's disease. The gene may also play a role in the regulation of the stress response and in the biology of mood disorders. These links make BDNF a frequent subject in studies of neuronal health, plasticity and neurological disease, whether the readout is the BDNF protein or the BDNF gene and its transcripts.
BDNF signalling via NGFR and SORCS2 plays a role in synaptic plasticity and long-term depression.
Binding of BDNF to its cognate receptor promotes neuronal survival in the adult brain.
BDNF expression is reduced in Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and Huntington's disease patients.
The BDNF gene may play a role in regulating the stress response and in the biology of mood disorders.
BDNF is a secreted signalling molecule that activates cascades downstream of NTRK2 and via the NGFR–SORCS2 receptor complex. It promotes neuronal survival in the adult brain, contributes to synaptic plasticity and long-term depression, and can also promote neuronal apoptosis and growth cone collapse.
Alternative splicing of the BDNF gene gives multiple transcript variants. At least one encodes a preproprotein that is proteolytically processed to the mature protein. UniProt names the entry neurotrophic factor BDNF precursor form, and it belongs to the NGF-beta family.
Mouse and rat both carry a Bdnf ortholog, so rodent models are widely used. BDNF expression is reduced in Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and Huntington's disease patients, and the gene may be involved in stress response regulation and mood disorders. Check the datasheet of any product for its validated reactivity.
Neurotrophins, their receptors and other neuronal signalling targets with products at Assay Genie.
Gene and protein annotations from HGNC, NCBI Gene and UniProt P23560; product specifications from Assay Genie datasheets.